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Exposed 24VDC in a Bathroom

Harry Heathfield
Hello IET Forum,


I'm hoping someone can point me in the direction of a suitable standard that refers to exposed 24VDC conductors not being appropriate in a bathroom. My client would like to use the two metal hinges of a bathroom cabinet mirror as the +/- conductors; I'm not comfortable with them connecting any electricity through metal hinges, let alone in a bathroom! I've consulted with BS7671:2018; it says up to 30VDC is appropriate for the zone, but that doesn't mean exposed, of course! My client wants me to provide unquestionable evidence as to why they can't do it, but I'm struggling to find anything that isn't open to interpretation. Can anyone help?


The best I can find so far is from IEC 60364-4-41, Annex A.1 “Live parts shall be completely covered with insulation which can only be removed by destruction”.


Kind Regards, Harry
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    Even if not actually prohibited I would consider it poor practice to have 24 volts DC fully exposed to touch in a wet location such as bathroom.

    I would consider that 24 volts DC should be at least somewhat enclosed or protected against touch, though not to the same standards expected for mains equipment.

    A non shuttered socket outlet for 24 volts DC, fine.

    A within reach lamp holder for 24 volts DC fine.


    A "tension wire" lighting system at 24 volts DC not good practice. Nor a similar voltage on exposed door hinges.


    I perceive some risk of poor contact, and the user fiddling with it with wet hands.


    The comparison with lights on lorries is relevant, only one pole of the supply is EASY to touch being connected to the body of the vehicle. The other ole of the supply is much less easy to touch being present on recessed lamp holder contacts and the like.
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  • 0
    Even if not actually prohibited I would consider it poor practice to have 24 volts DC fully exposed to touch in a wet location such as bathroom.

    I would consider that 24 volts DC should be at least somewhat enclosed or protected against touch, though not to the same standards expected for mains equipment.

    A non shuttered socket outlet for 24 volts DC, fine.

    A within reach lamp holder for 24 volts DC fine.


    A "tension wire" lighting system at 24 volts DC not good practice. Nor a similar voltage on exposed door hinges.


    I perceive some risk of poor contact, and the user fiddling with it with wet hands.


    The comparison with lights on lorries is relevant, only one pole of the supply is EASY to touch being connected to the body of the vehicle. The other ole of the supply is much less easy to touch being present on recessed lamp holder contacts and the like.
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